1) Tax efficient company donation

By making regular donations or an annual lump sum. Charitable donations by businesses attract tax relief as detailed in the Inland Revenue leaflet IR64, which can be downloaded from www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Many companies will only support charities if employees have nominated them. Help children with life-threatening conditions by nominating our Trust as a beneficiary for your company's donations.

2) Make us your "Charity of the Year"

Adopt us and involve your employees in the fun of fundraising. Many companies choose the charities adopted by this scheme on the basis of employee nominations.

3) Matched giving

Matching the amount that your employees raise/donate is a perfect way to involve your employees in your corporate giving programme. One of the many benefits of offering this scheme within your company includes the fact that you are mirroring your employees' interests and concerns.

4) Sponsorship

Sponsoring of one of our events, publications or campaigns can benefit your company by providing branding opportunities, enhancing your corporate image and increasing your profile.

5) Cause Related Marketing

Your company can promote your brand and image through linking up with The Shannon Bradshaw Trust to sell a product or service and at the same time raise money for children with life-threatening conditions. Not only is there the potential to generate extra sales, but a product promotion will also enhance your customer's perception of your brand, giving you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Cause Related Marketing is now an accepted and valuable part of the commercial marketing mix. In November 2000 "Business in the Community's" research survey "Profitable Partnerships" found that:

• Over 70% of Chief Executives, Marketing Directors and Community Affairs Directors believe that CRM will increase in importance to achieving objectives over the next 2 - 3 years.
• 75% also feel that CRM can enhance corporate or brand reputation.
• 86% of consumers, when price and quality are equal, are more likely to choose a product or business associated with a "cause".
• 90% of respondents had heard of a Cause Related Marketing promotion with 65% participating in a promotion.
• 75% either switched brand, tried a new brand or bought more.
• 80% felt increased loyalty to the brand and more positive about their purchase.

6) Employee fundraising

Support your employees by encouraging them to become involved in organising charity events or sponsored activities e.g. by allowing the formation of a Charities Committee and providing facilities and allocated time for this. Fundraising for our Trust is a great team-building exercise and undoubtedly boosts morale in the office.

7) Payroll giving

Some companies operate a payroll giving scheme also known as Give As You Earn (GAYE). This scheme enables employees to make a donation directly from their salary before tax has been deducted (UK only).

The Shannon Bradshaw Trust can now get an extra 10% from the Government for payroll donations! For example:

They pay = £5.00

Actual cost to them = £3.90

Value of their gift to our Trust (including 10% from government) = £5.50

Check with your company to see if they operate a GAYE Scheme.
For more information go to:
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/payrollgiving/index.htm

8) Gifts in Kind

We are always grateful to hear from anyone who can donate products or services to the charity. You may wish to donate office equipment, stationery, prizes for our events/auctions, or offer your professional expertise? However you think you could help, we would love to hear from you!

Donated Goods and Services:
Help with keeping our costs to a bare minimum by donating goods or services. Help us by donating goodies, prizes and services that enable us to raise vital funds.

Raffle and Auction Prizes:
Raffles and auctions substantially increase the money raised at our events. We are constantly seeking a range of items for raffles and auctions. In return, you will have the chance to promote your company to a target audience.

Goodie bags/Table Gifts:
We like to reward volunteers who participate in our challenge events and celebrities who give up their time to support us. Perhaps you have product samples, promotional goods, end of line items e.g. newly launched products, fragrance samples, luxury goods, clothing articles?

Venues:
Sometimes we need space in the North West of England to hold meetings and dinners. If you have a venue that you could hire to our Trust free of charge or at a special rate - please let us know?

9) Secondment

How about lending us the skills and expertise of one of your employees? Your company can benefit from secondment too as the employee can develop new skills and experience in a new working environment. What is more, the cost of the employee's salary is tax deductible while they volunteer.

10) Take part in our events

Taking part in corporate challenges and events can be a great way to boost the morale of your employees and help them to work more as a team.